Regularly dismissed as boring compared to the major metropolitan hubs of Australia and often missed out altogether, the purpose built capital city of Canberra is not particularly exciting but probably better than the descriptions you’ve heard. Within the eerily symmetrical center, there are a number of interesting places such as the National Archives of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia and the Australian Parliament.
There’s not much in the way of nightlife, but its handful of modern bars provide interesting, if limited, options. Take a paddle boat out on to Lake Burley Griffin for a funny afternoon, which you will need after all those museums.